Thousands of In-N-Out fans are fighting over one item that's not even on the menu — here's why

Flickr/Laine Trees
More than 20,000 people have signed a petition calling on the iconic West Coast fast-food joint In-N-Out to add a veggie burger to its menu.

However, some customers are furious that the petition even exists.

The Change.org petition, started earlier in September, says that the chain is letting its fans down by failing to serve a hearty and healthy meat-free option.

"Burger chains nationwide have been getting huge returns from meat alternatives, and In-N-Out could do the same. Chipotle has vegan sofritas, White Castle has veggie sliders — even fast-food kingpin Burger King has the BK Veggie!" reads the petition.

As of Wednesday at 8:45 am, the petition was about 2,500 signatures away from its goal of 25,000 supporters.

However, the creators are also facing some backlash, in the comment section and on social media.

"As a vegetarian myself, this is a stupid petition," reads one comment on the petition. "Why, as a vegan, would you want to support a company that slaughters cows by the thousands?"

Some meat-lovers agree.

"This absolutely the most incredibly stupid thing I have heard in a while, and there is a LOT of stupid going around," reads another comment. "In-N-Out, please do not change anything for these morons. If you do not want a burger, do not go to a burger stand."

In-N-Out's Facebook page has been flooded with anti-veggie burger commenters, far outnumbering positive discussion of a new vegetarian option.

Currently, the best vegetarians can hope for at In-N-Out is fries or a bunch of cheese and veggies between two burger buns.